KEENE – Keene State College’s Redfern Arts Center announces a sensational 2017-18 season of dynamic global and New England performances that includes a 1980s dance party, the North American premiere of a new Irish drama, magical and musical family shows, a silent film accompanied by a live orchestra, African jazz music, an all-female a cappella music ensemble, two spectacular dance troupes from North Africa and New York City, and two community based projects ‑ a special theatre presentation about addiction, and a unique map-making project of Keene

The Redfern’s new season, which runs from September 2017 to April 2018, brings a variety of dynamic events that are entertaining, thought-provoking, funny, and suitable for all ages. Highlights include: New Hampshire-based Neoteric Dance Collaborative’s Let Dance! 80s Edition which invites everyone to get up and dance, East African singer and songwriter Somi makes her Keene debut with jazz and R&B hits, an Algerian dance company La Companie Hervé Koubi delivers a jaw-dropping acrobatic-style dance, Alloy Orchestra returns to play an original soundtrack to the swash buckling silent film The Black Pirate, and two Saturday morning family shows – the magic of Keene illusionist Jason Purdy and the eco-music of Johnny Fireseed and the Junkyard Dogs.

Tickets for the new season are now on sale. Memberships can be purchased by phone 358-2168 and in person when the Redfern Box Office is open, Monday to Friday, from 12 to 6 p.m. Purchase online at keene.edu/arts/redfern/.

JAFFREY – The Jaffrey Civic Center will host a silent auction and exhibit of paintings and figurines by the late artist, Rosemary Tracey Newman formerly of Harrisville, NH, and Hammonton, NJ. The event will be held in the Auditorium Gallery from now through Tuesday, September 26th. All of Ms. Newman's work will be for sale via silent auction and proceeds from the show will go toward the Jaffrey Civic Center Elevator Fund. An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 1st from 5pm- 7pm. Bids for the work will open at 5 pm and will close on the last day of the exhibit on September 26th. Free and Open to the public. For more info. about Ms. Newman’s work and our event, check out our website at: www.jaffreyciviccenter.com or contact the Civic Center.

The Jaffrey Civic Center, is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, parking in rear. We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to art, education and civic activities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free. For more information about us, call 603-532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or “Like” us on Facebook.

“A Cool Morning Mist” by Phil Bean, Oil on Canvas

Natural Element of Light, Color and Nature…

AMHERST – The Friends of the Amherst Town Library is honored to exhibit Phil Bean, an associate member of the Oil Painters of America, as part of the 2017 Professional Artists Exhibit series. Natural Elements of Light, Color & Nature exhibit October 2 - 31 at the Amherst Town Library. Through his oil paintings, Phil recreates his vibrant visual experience to share with the viewer. "I feel compelled to paint when I see the landscape undergoing very dramatic changes at certain times of the day. Light with its elusive and fleeting qualities can have a pronounced effect on the mood and atmosphere of a particular scene.”

Originally from New England, Phil grew up in California where he began his first painting experience with oils after being inspired by the works of other painters. Primarily self-taught, Phil continued to study and develop his techniques until an opportunity to move to Alaska brought about more artistic challenges. From an artist’s perspective, he acquired a deep appreciation for the wilderness and scenic wonders of that rugged landscape before moving back to the New England of his youth. Working both in the studio and outdoors en plein air, he draws on his inspiration from the effects of light and shadow on the natural landscape using a combination of brush and painting knife techniques to create his oils paintings.

On Sunday, October 15 the public is invited to the Artist’s Reception from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Amherst Town Library located at 14 Main Street in Amherst. If you have any questions contact Christine Farris at FOLArts@icloud.com.

20th Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Now through October 15

This exhibit features many award-winning, international sculptures. Feast your eyes on numerous outdoor sculptures set among perennial gardens and a country setting of fields and a pond.

Fall Art Exhibit: Sept. 1 - Dec. 24 at Mill Brook Gallery

Painters: Maureen Ahern, Colin Callahan, Barbara Danser,

Mike Howat, Fleur Palau & Ilene Richard

Indoor Sculpture: John Weidman

As the seasons change, so does the gallery exhibit! Fall at Mill Brook Gallery showcases a host of new paintings and indoor sculptures in rich and varied styles from a group of outstanding artists. Some works are bright and bold; others are subtle and monochromatic in design, with intriguing compositions. The artistic styles range wildly, from landscapes to dog portraits to abstractions. Come and enjoy!

JAFFREY – Local naturalist and mountain climber, Larry Davis will exhibit a display of his nature photography at the Jaffrey Civic Center September 1st - October 6th in the Display Case Gallery. A local celebrity for climbing Mount Monadnock thousands of times, Larry is a skilled mountain climber and nature photographer. Originally from the Monadnock region, Larry took up hiking and photography after his graduation from college in Florida.

Larry has been a volunteer for the Park Service since 1984. He has joined the AMC and adopted part of the Appalachian Trail on the Osgood Trail in Mount Madison in the Northern Peaks of the Presidential Range.

Larry has been published in “Backpacker Magazine”, “Outside Magazine”, “Yankee Magazine”, Craig Brandon’s, Monadnock: More than a Mountain, and various EMS advertisements. To check out more of his work, go to the website www.larrydavisnh.com. An opening reception will be held Friday, September 8th from 5pm to 7pm in the downstairs Auditorium.

The Jaffrey Civic Center, is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, parking in rear. We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to art, education and civic activities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free. For more information about us, call 603-532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com.

Mixed Media Exhibit by Maureen Ahern

JAFFREY – The Jaffrey Civic Center will host a mixed media exhibit of paintings by New Hampshire artist, Maureen Ahern from now through October 7th. An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 8th from 5pm to 7pm in the Cunningham Gallery. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Most of Maureen Ahern’s latest work uses interference paint, along with other media. Interference paint has the property of reflecting just half of the light spectrum. For instance, blue paint looks blue, but depending on the light source and where the viewer stands, will instead appear yellow (its opposite color on the light spectrum.) The effect this has had on such pieces can be seen in this video [http://ahernartist.com/video/] where light is shown moving across the painting surface, causing the colors to change to their opposite. In addition to interference paint, many of Ahern’s works utilize pieces of compact disc. The reflective surface of the disc amplifies the variable nature of the interference paint. Other media may include oil sticks, pencil, wax, nails, feathers, and other materials. Her work has been exhibited in New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Maureen lives in New Hampshire where she works full-time in her studio.

“I grew up and lived by the coast of Massachusetts for many years. My fascination with the beauty and the power of the ocean continues to influence my work. Since coming to the Monadnock region of New Hampshire in 1981, I have explored the ever-changing aspects of water, the variables of light, air, color, and motion in nature; and the human spirit.”

The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, next to Library, parking in rear. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1 pm to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free.

JAFFREY – In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Civic Center will host a mixed media exhibit in which 20 percent of proceeds from sales of the show will go toward breast cancer research. The exhibit, NH Women’s Artists Give Back, will feature contributing New Hampshire artists: Alberta Geyer, Paula Guhse, Jennifer McCalmont, Chris Reid, and Marci Tripp Graham. Proceeds from sales from this exhibit will be donated for breast cancer research. The exhibit runs from Thursday, Sept. 28th through Thursday, October 12th. The Opening Reception will be Friday, Sept. 29th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Free and open to the public.

The Jaffrey Civic Center, is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, parking in rear. We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to art, education and civic activities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free. For more information about us, call 603-532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com.

"Carmel Dunes at Sunset" by Jacob Aguiar, last year's Best in Show.

Pastel Society of New Hampshire 9th Annual Juried Show “It’s Pastel”

PORTSMOUTH – The Pastel Society of New Hampshire presents its 9th Annual juried Exhibition “It’s Pastel” at Discover Portsmouth Center Gallery in Portsmouth New Hampshire. The show opens on October 21st and runs through November 25th. More than 80 paintings from award-winning, critically acclaimed artists across the country will be on view in the landmark Academy Gallery in what has become an area favorite exhibit.

With a broad range of styles, vibrant colors and masterful technique, the exhibit showcases the new found excitement of a traditional medium. “A whole room full of pastel paintings really packs a punch,” said PSNH Juried show chair, Keith Demanche. “Portraits, landscapes, still life - pastel is a terrific medium for almost any kind of subject. Seeing what all these talented artists put on view is truly amazing.”

Nationally recognized juror, Kim Lordier (PSA, IAPS MC), will choose the paintings accepted from hundreds submissions and juror of awards, Christine Ivers (PSA, IAPS MC) will be awarding over $6,000 in prizes at the opening reception and awards ceremony on Sat. Oct. 21, 2017 from 5 to 7 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Christine Ivers will also be giving a free gallery talk about the work on view and her choices.

The Discover Portsmouth Center Gallery is located at 10 Middle St., Portsmouth NH. The gallery website is www.portsmouthhistory.org and the phone number is 603-4336-8433. Gallery hours are: 10-5pm., 7 days a week. For more information about the show, Pastel Society of NH or about pastels as a medium, please visit www.pastelsocietynh.com.

10th Season of First Music in Nashua

Concert organist, Mary DolchNASHUA – On Sunday October 22 at 4:00pm, The FIRST MUSIC Concert Series opens its 10th Anniversary season with rising star, concert organist Mary Dolch on Sunday October 22 at 4PM.

Join us for a fantastic Season X – “Passion for Music” opener, as the First Music Concert Series pulls out all the stops on its historic 4000-pipe, Anderson Memorial Organ of The First Church: Austin Organs, Inc. - Opus 1406 from 1926.

The majesty of this symphonic instrument will transport the audience back in time with its lush and vibrant sounds, played by Mrs. Dolch, a New Hampshire Native. Including works of Bach, Duruflé, Elgar and others: the concert features the Juius Reubke Sonata on the 94th Psalm, considered to be one of the ultimate masterworks of organ literature!

The First Church of Nashua (1 Concord Street) is proud to host this music outreach to the community, in a beautiful Romanesque-revival architectural setting. Ample parking is available behind the church, and handicap-accessibility is available between the old ad new buildings.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling (603) 882-4861: $15 Adults / $12 Seniors / $5 Under 21

First Music has been Bringing the Joy of Music to the Gate City since their opening 2008-2009 season, and is known for an eclectic mix of musical offerings sure to please every taste. More information about the Series and October 22’s concert may be found under www.first-music.org or by sending an e-mail to info@first-music.org

Molly Wensberg-Green Sweep, oil on canvas, 30 x 48.

Opening of Three-Person Art Show

AMHERST – LaBelle Winery, in partnership with McGowan Fine Art in Concord, N.H., announces the opening of a three-person art show at the winery. The show features the prints of artists Peter Milton and Matthew Smith, and the paintings of Molly Wensberg. The show will run through October 2017.

Molly Wensberg paints the hidden landscapes of New Hampshire. Her use of a palette knife gives her paintings a shimmery surface. Strong contrast and interesting color choices make her landscapes visually provocative while maintaining a sense of timelessness. Her work will be featured in an upcoming show “Terra Incognita” at McGowan Fine Art in September 2017.

Peter Milton is known locally for his painting “The Rehearsal” which is on display at The Currier Museum in Manchester, but he is internationally known for his intaglio and digital prints. A master of composition and detail, Milton weaves a narrative across his large-format works. Careful observation rewards the viewer with distorted items, historical references and visual puns.

Matthew Smith is a former commercial fisherman who turned to printmaking. His reverence for nature is evident in his subject matter: piping plovers, lobsters and various tiny sea creatures. He uses a proprietary printing method that allows for deep cuts in the copper that can hold a substantial amount of ink. Saturated colors are his hallmark, and are a delightful addition to his whimsical images.